September 17, 2010

There's a lengthy list of words in the English language that I find extremely entertaining to say. I'm sure many of them have their origins elsewhere, but we Americans seem to have claimed them as our own.
Discombobulate. Thwart. Indubitably. Kumquat. Sassafras. Goiter. The list goes on and on.*

*I've just realized I'm way too easy to amuse...

A word that I've recently added to the list is Waldorf. Now, I've never stayed at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel(and probably never will), but I have seen Serendipity and Coming to America multiple times and it's featured in both of those charming flicks.

Are you asking yourself why you should care? I do have a point. The Waldorf-Astoria is responsible for a classic side dish that I've come to love--Waldorf salad. This seemingly random combination of ingredients plays together quite nicely in the mouth--crisp, juicy apples, crunchy nuts and celery, and sweet, chewy raisins, all slathered in a slightly tangy, creamy sauce. Plus, it's extremely easy to make.

Whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, nutmeg, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl and season generously with pepper.
Add the apples, celery, and raisins to the bowl, and sprinkle with the lemon juice; then toss with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

My mother's favorite salad! We had it constantly when I was a kid. And I know she made a quick version for herself as she got older...just celery, walnuts, apples with mayo on lettuce.I really like your refinements, Grace. A little honey, some zest and cutting the mayo with some yogurt. All the difference in the world. Yum.

Waldorf....there. I said it LOL. but I've never had it. No reason....just haven't. what a doofus I am! (another funny word.) And what about platipus? that's a weird word. I mean...isn't bad enough that the animal itself looks ridiculous....but did they have to give it THAT name? btw....your salad looks beautimus. (is that a real word? it should be)

Ok I have a confession. I have never had Waldorf salad...sigh. I know. I'm pathetic :) BTW I love Coming to America. Such a classic movie. In fact I think I'm going to watch that DVD right now (I'm totally not kidding) :)

I know I have said this before but I am sure you and my Dad would get along so well. He use to ask me to look up in the phone book, names like Al E. Gator... I love Wal Dorf- but don't tell my husband.

Ha ha ha, nice to meet you Wal. I love waldorf salad - usually I use granny smith apples though, I like the tang. The addition of nutmeg sounds delicious. Great job Grace. And great list of words - discombobulate is a personal favourite too :)

Grace...So many of the words you mentioned never crossed paths with me...except 'Discombobulate' LOL There was a time where I had adopted this word and drove my familly bonkers!!!

The Waldorf salad is just in time for me to enjoy our Quebec potatoes and apples to be mixed into a salad I never made or ever had anywhere. Thanks for bringing it into the rich Astoria light for us ;o)

This Waldorf Salad sounds delicious! My mom used to make this for us for Easter holiday every year. Yum! I love fun words to say, my favorites are delineate, abide & pernicious. (Now to find dishes that incorporate them...hmmmm)

Ubiquitous, serendipitous, recalcitrant, pulchritudinous...I totally get it. Seriously. Can we PLEASE have lunch some day???? Love this rendition of a Waldorf. The mayo is tamed and it sounds quite pleasing. Mmmm....

My mom used to make a great waldorf salad, and I've been craving it lately (well, okay, for the past year). Unfortunately, I'm allergic to most apples when they're not cooked, and to almonds, so a great looking version of the salad, like this one, is off limits. It breaks my heart, because this sounds perfect!